After the past couple of months and with two festivals under my belt, I’m looking forward to returning to my quiet routine of writing. No one tells you what a lot of work the other end of writing a book entails. The marketing and networking required to get your book into the hands of readers. It’s been a roller-coaster ride of emotions and experiences. So far, I’ve enjoyed my foray into two festivals. Luckily, after thirty years of teaching, public speaking doesn’t deter me. And especially when it’s about Wellworth, something I’m fortunately an expert in.

What I’ve noticed in my talks is how few people participate in a writer’s group.

Without my community of writers, I would be lost. I doubt Wellworth would ever have been published and I would never have the confidence to go out and market it. A writer’s group is like a microcosm of your readers, but perhaps a little more brutal—being writers. It’s a great place to flex your wings when it comes to discussing your book, and the reasons you chose the genre, topic, characters and world. The other thing a writers’ group develops is a thick skin. Something you need to have as a writer—in preparation for all those rejections. To have a group of like-minded people to discuss and commiserate with is invaluable.

It is here that you develop the skills required for speaking to larger audiences.

If you’re not already in a group I can highly recommend Writing NSW https://writingnsw.org.au/support/writing-groups/ They have groups that meet in person or online, at a frequency that suits you.

I’m in two writing groups, both online but I wouldn’t be writing this post without them. And what a wonderful experience it was when I finally got to meet the other members in person—everyone is either taller or shorter than you imagined!

Don Barba, very kindly put together this video of a session I facilitated.